Paris best viewpoints and Tourist traps : how to make the difference

If you plan to travel in a foreign country, there are lot of chances that people recommend you some places there. “You cannot miss this monument!”. “You can’t go there without seeing this and eating there!”. Did those phrases sound familiar to you? What if we told you that a lot of places people recommend to you actually aren’t that awesome? Indeed, a lot of emblematic places rely solely on their reputation. They may not offer the great experience that you’ve been promised. In this article, we are going to talk about Paris. Let’s try to differenciate Paris best viewpoints from the Tourist traps. Starting from one of the World’s most famous monument : Eiffel Tower. You’ll also find some recommendations from local people who know Paris if you want to have a similar experience, but better.

Paris best viewpoints : Eiffel Tower what if it was a tourist trap

Don’t make us say what we didn’t: the Eiffel Tower is a masterpiece, and obviously a must-see if you come to Paris. But should you wait for hours to climb in it? That is not so sure. Granted, it is incredibly impressing to be on top of such a monument. First floor of the Eiffel tower is at 57m from the floor, and welcome around 7 millions visitors per year. Second floor is about 115m and is one of the highest views of Paris. But the visit comes with a lot of downsides.

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First of all, the ticket to go at the top of the Eiffel Tower is quite expensive. It costs around 17€ when you can buy if for a reasonnable price. During the peaks period, prices can increase, and if you pay for a visit, then it can become much more expensive. Also, like in every tourist main monuments in international cities like Paris, the shops and restaurants you’ll be able to find up there will be highly expensive. Then, the queue can be incredibly long during summer. This shouldn’t be surprising. Paris is one of the most visited countries in the world, and Eiffel tower is visited by around 7 million people every year.

Of course, some may say that Paris isn’t Paris without the Eiffel Tower. But when you think about it: the only place in Paris from where you can’t see the Eiffel Tower is when you are on the Eiffel Tower itself. Maybe the view would be better from somewhere else?

Paris best viewpoints : the alternatives

Of course, the view is better from somewhere else. For example, try the 56th floor of the Tour Montparnasse is definetely one of Paris best viewpoints also. You’ll get a breathtaking view of the city, Eiffel Tower included, the tickets are a little bit cheaper and the wait is way shorter. Plus, you’ll be able to really enjoy the view, as it won’t be crowded.

Another good alternative is the Arc de Triomphe. Located on the Champs Elysées, The Arc de Triomphe offers quite a great view of Paris. It is and is much cheaper than the Eiffel Tower and the height of the Arc is about 50m. So when you go up you have a very beautiful view as for the first floor of Eiffel Tower. Also the line to climb the arc is much less especially during summer. Moreover, it is actually considered as a Museum, so the admission is free for every European resident under 26. And while you’re at it, it’s really not far from the Champs Elysées, the Tuileries and the Louvre. This is really a great place to enjoy your visit in Paris.

Some also may recommend the Sacré Coeur as a good viewpoint, but be careful. Yes, it is beautiful and the view is interesting, and moreover it’s free. But as a result of all of this, the area is highly frequented by tourists and, as a consequence, by scammers. Some are pickpockets, some may try to offer you some handmade bracelets, and some will try to make you play at gambling tables. They all have different methods but they all have the same objective, which is your valuables.